San Francisco, California – An American Airlines flight at San Francisco International Airport was evacuated due to smoke in the cabin, caused by a laptop in a passenger’s bag, according to airport officials. Passengers described a harrowing experience as they noticed a strong smell of burning cables before seeing flames and smoke engulfing the cabin.
Passenger Jan Jankai recounted how he and his father felt overwhelmed by the intense smoke and heat, prompting them to quickly unbuckle their seats and head towards the emergency exit. Jankai’s father, seated above the burning bag, took swift action by throwing it out through the emergency exit door.
Three people sustained minor injuries during the evacuation, with one individual being transported to a local hospital for treatment, according to the San Francisco Fire Department. American Airlines acknowledged one passenger sustaining minor injuries while exiting the aircraft, as emergency responders confirmed the incident was caused by a battery fire that was extinguished before their arrival.
Some passengers evacuated through the emergency slides while others deplaned using the jet bridge. The Airbus A321 was bound for Miami before the incident occurred, prompting a quick response from airport authorities to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew. The situation highlights the importance of vigilance and quick action during emergencies to prevent any potential harm to individuals on board.
